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We all have that special photograph album that we treasure. Perhaps it includes images of birthdays, vacations, and snapshots of special events. Have you ever thought about how the snapshot came to be? Current digital cameras are easy to use, but photography wasn’t always such a breeze.

We have all welcomed autumn with open arms here in East Central Indiana. On my commute into work, I’ve seen many houses decked out for the season with scarecrows, pumpkins, and Halloween witches. It is so great—this is my favorite season. Recently, I saw a quote that stated, “Autumn is my favorite color.” That is certainly true for me.

It was a wild and wooly evening when Lucy Ball, oldest daughter of Frank C. and Elizabeth Brady Ball, married Alvin Owsley on May 16, 1925. The wedding was held at the home of the bride’s parents, just as her sister Margaret’s wedding was the previous year. The setting was lovely, the guests were many, and the bride and groom had their nerves under control. The weather, however, did not cooperate.

The small but nationally known American Playground company in Anderson, Indiana celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011. At that time, an article in the Madison County Chamber newsletter noted that the company had recently “completed its biggest and finest structure at Tuhey Park in Muncie.” Tuhey Towers, located near Tuhey Pool, consists of towers, slides, climbing ropes, and more.

You might not be able to tell from advertisements or the plant stock at some retailers, but we are in a prime time planting period: late summer and fall! This has the Minnetrista Horticulture crew making plans to get plants in the ground and transplant what we can!

If you have read my blog for a while, it is probably apparent to you that I love jam. Jam is a great way to start learning to preserve; and it is obvious what you can do with it. It is one of my favorite gifts to give people as well.

While I was looking through the Minnetrista Heritage Collection for artifacts to include in an upcoming exhibit about children, I came across a yellow ribbon awarded for “Fifth Premium” in the Better Baby Contest held at the Indiana State Fair in 1926. Really! How does one determine what makes a “Better Baby?” I did a little research. First, I found a photograph depicting “Better Babies Day” at the Delaware County Fair in 1924. Hmmm—that ribbon wasn’t an anomaly.

Containers can add form, texture, and color to areas that have limited garden spaces, like around buildings, sidewalks, vertical walls, and patios. The traditional container with annuals is great for beautifying your home, but next year you may want to try something different. Here are unique container displays that you can see at Minnetrista.